As individuals and families look to preserve their assets against the uncertainty of tomorrow, the formation of a living trust is a viable estate-planning technique. It is not uncommon for a home and other major assets such as bank accounts, investments, and sometimes automobiles, to be transferred to a trust for that purpose. Although attorneys […]
You don’t hear about government entities using stimulus funds on uncompleted public works projects despite numerous contractor failures during the recent economic downturn. Why is this? Public works projects have a third-party guarantee that ensures that projects are completed and that all bills to subcontractors and suppliers are paid. This guaranty is offered by a […]
Automated external defibrillators (AEDs) significantly improve survival rates for sudden cardiac arrest victims. AEDs are easy to use and inexpensive, with the cost for a unit starting around $1,200. They are an important consideration to protect your employees and your customers. Commercial properties, health clubs, restaurants, and retail establishments are especially likely to see sudden […]
The Commissioner of Insurance disapproved the Massachusetts Workers Compensation Rating and Inspection Bureau rate increase filing scheduled for September 1st. The obvious good news is that rates are not going up on September 1st. Conversely, the bad news is that this is not necessarily a good thing for everyone! Workers Compensation rates over the past […]
For renewals as of and after January 1, 2013 the methodology for calculating an “interstate” experience modification will be drastically changing. The bottom line is that those with poor experience are going to see drastic increases in their experience modification, while those with excellent history will see decreases. This is very important to all employers […]
Today the Supreme Court of the United States upheld the constitutionality of the individual mandate provision of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA). Accordingly, PPACA’s current health insurance reform provisions will remain in force and we will continue implementing the law, as applicable. Background PPACA became law on March 23, 2010. Shortly thereafter, […]
We are delighted to have the National Brian Tumor Society as one of our clients. Did you know that this year alone, more than 210,000 Americans will be diagnosed with a brain tumor? National Brain Tumor Society (NBTS) is fiercely committed to finding better treatments, and ultimately a cure, for people living with a brain […]
Do your employees travel to states other than where your business is domiciled? Do your employees perform work in other states? Understanding how Workers Compensation laws respond to interstate operations is important to ensure that you are in compliance with state employment laws. Workers Compensation insurance is regulated at the state level. Benefit schedules for […]
An employee handbook serves as a vital communications tool between a company and its employees. When well prepared, it informs employees about their employer’s mission, its employment policies and perks, and the consequences of not following the rules-all in a tone appropriate to the reading audience. A comprehensive, clearly written employee handbook also can be […]
Inland Marine policies, as compared to Ocean Marine policies, are meant to cover non ocean related property that is under construction, moves from place to place or is of special or high value. These features usually do not make them good candidates to be insured by standard business property policies. The term “Inland Marine” covers […]